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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Opus 2018-080: Headlines: Business As Usual in Islam

The headline and the article are full of rage. According to the Sun a man raped a woman and instead of putting the rapist in jail the families made a deal. They would let another rape take place to balance the scales. This is not just an English newspaper exaggerating another scandal. This is accurate reporting. According to the primitive world view of Islam, this is justice.

It is an aspect of sharia that the MSM usually does not report on. In a discussion of the sharia law of Islam, Albert Hourani makes this observation involving murder:

“...homicide was regarded as a private matter between the families of those involved, rather than one in which the community should intervene through the judges;...” p. 161

The concept is rooted in the tribal nature of Arabic Muslim countries. Their sense of independence and individual honor means that the laws of the nation are second to the loyalty to the clan and family. When some horrible crime is committed it is not a case for the courts. It is a matter of family justice and vengeance. Often a crime can be made right by paying a money penalty. As long as the families are satisfied, all is well.

This is not just a concept from Islam. Many cultures in their primitive stages have such a safety valve. The Germanic cultures called it weregild. Different crimes had a monetary value assigned. In a barbaric, warrior culture it seemed to slow down the fighting. Whether it has a place on modern society, I have serious doubts.

Share this article with some of your friends who are into diversity and multi-culturalism. I doubt if they will be horrified but you can always hope.

Hourani, Albert. A History of the Arab Peoples. Cambridge: The Belknap
Press of Harvard University Press, 1991.